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Community Corner

DAV Building Named After Cdr. Joe Fornarotto

Dedication Witnessed by the Township, Government Officials and Guests

On Saturday, the Belleville-Nutley Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22 celebrated the dedication of their building to Commander Joseph T. Fornarotto. The building, located at 612 Mill St. in Belleville, was named after the commander for his significant contributions in the planning, fundraising and construction of the three-year-old structure.

The facility will now be known as the Commander Joe Fornarotto Disabled American Veterans Building.

Mayor Raymond Kimble honored Fornarotto, saying, “I personally know you worked very hard to get this building done.

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“He used to be down at town hall everyday either going over plans or trying to make sure that the money is in place,” he narrated, adding, “You deserve the honor that’s been bestowed upon you today. Job well done.”

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8) further honored him. “This was a work of love,” he said.

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“Regardless of how we felt about the two wars, we are not going to forget those people who put their lives on the line. That’s bigger than everything. And Joe has never forgotten that. To the hospitals he’s visited, to the veterans he’s reached his hand out to, to those who are homeless, to those who’ve lost faith and hope, to those who are addicted, to those who continue to experience the pains of war…Joe has not forgotten anybody.

“Joe, I want you to count on me. The best years of your life are ahead of you. God bless you.”

“He has done so many wonderful things for the veterans,” added Mary J. Bencivenga, National DAV 2nd Jr. Vice Commander.

“Joe, you’re a terrific man and you definitely deserve this.”

Rolando Bobadilla represented state Sen. Teresa Ruiz of the 29th District, to give a New Jersey State legislative citation for Fornarotto.

Brendan Gill was also there to witness the event, representing Sen. Frank Lautenberg, as his chief of staff. Gill is also the Democratic candidate for District 5 freeholder. 

Before everyone went outside for the unveiling of the slate, fellow veteran Steve Rogers -- Gill's Republican challenger in the race -- also offered a few words of recognition to Fornarotto.

According to the dedication message written and collaborated on by members of the DAV Chapter 22, and read by master of ceremonies Adjutant Fosco Olivetti, “Joe Fornarotto enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served with distinction in the Pacific. It was there that he sustained injuries. After war’s end, he became founding member of the DAV Chapter 22, serving disabled veterans from Belleville and Nutley. Over the years, this has extended to many of the surrounding towns, to the point that we now have well over 500 current members in our chapter.

“For many, many years, Joe championed the cause of disabled veterans, assisted his comrades in Chapter 22, fundraised for our hospitalized and institutionalized comrades, and led the efforts to bring the flight of disabled veterans to public attention.

“For many of us, his achievements seemed virtually unobtainable before he accomplished them.

“Joe we love you and salute you, thank you for all you have done.”

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